Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law to strengthen protections for victims of gender-based violence. HB25-1168 improves housing security, expands access to justice, and keeps Coloradans safe. < Back May 22, 2025 New Law Will Strengthen Victim Protections and Housing Security DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law to strengthen protections for victims of gender-based violence. HB25-1168 improves housing security, expands access to justice, and keeps Coloradans safe. “Housing instability is one of the biggest threats to people who experience gender-based violence, with 11 percent of people experiencing homelessness in the Denver Metro Area fleeing domestic violence,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “Many victims can’t safely leave their abuser, which is why our new law strengthens Colorado’s victim protection laws and establishes new mechanisms to improve a victim’s access to justice and safe housing. Gender-based violence is traumatic, and no one deserves to face long-lasting financial consequences or homelessness as a result.” "Too often, survivors of domestic violence are forced to choose between their safety and their housing," said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. "No one should be stuck in a dangerous situation because they can’t afford to break a lease or are left with damages they didn’t cause. This law gives survivors the legal protections they need to reclaim their safety and move forward with dignity." “The Violence Against Women Act is near and dear to my heart, and I’m proud to sponsor this law to better align Colorado law with these protections to keep victims safe,” said Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver. “As a judge, I know how important it is to have strong protections in statute, and this law is a meaningful change that better allows victims to end their leases early while providing a payment plan to protect landlords and keep victims housed. This law is a huge win for survivors of gender-based violence to ensure they have the tools they need to build a strong, safe future away from their abuser.” "Too often, survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and stalking face a lose/lose situation when it comes to their housing," said Sen. Mike Weissman. "It can be expensive to try to stay in one's home or expensive to relocate, on top of the immense personal cost of victimization. Whatever difficult choice they make, this important new law will help survivors by offering payment plans for back rent or limiting the costs of relocating such as losing a security deposit. Either way, survivors have a better path to safety, stability, and a chance at a fresh start." Currently, a tenant cannot be found guilty of unlawfully residing in a property if the tenant is experiencing domestic violence or domestic abuse and they provide a police report or civil or emergency protection order proving they were a victim. HB25-1168 expands these victim protections to include victims of unlawful sexual behavior and stalking and allows self-attestation or a letter signed by a qualified third party to be used as proof, reducing hurdles to accessing critical protections. Additional victim protection expansions include: Allowing victims who terminate a lease to not be held liable for property damage caused by their abuser during incidents of unlawful sexual behavior, stalking, domestic violence, or domestic abuse, Ensuring victims can change locks to their rental property on their own as long as they provide a copy of the key to the landlord as soon as reasonably possible, if the victim provides documentation to prove they are a victim-survivor, Prohibiting a landlord from assigning debt allegedly owed by a tenant who is a victim-survivor to a third-party debt collector unless the landlord provides at least a 90-day notice to the tenant and complies with the requirement to provide the tenant with documentation of the economic damages, and Requiring tenants to pay no more than one month’s rent after they vacate the residence and terminate the lease if, within 30 days, the landlord provides proof of economic damages as a result of the early lease termination. To strengthen eviction protections, this law also requires landlords to offer a repayment plan to victim-survivors for late or unpaid rent before a court may issue an eviction order. The repayment plan cannot exceed nine months from the date the plan was established. A 2023 report from the Colorado Coalition of the Homeless found that 1,265 Coloradans experiencing homelessness also reported being a victim of domestic violence. Previous Next

< Back May 19, 2020 GOV. POLIS AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT ON THE DISBURSEMENT OF FEDERAL CARES ACT FUNDS TO IMMEDIATELY RESPOND TO THE COVID-19 HEALTH AND ECONOMIC CRISIS DENVER – Governor Jared Polis, in collaboration with legislative leadership, announced today the allocation of $1.674 billion in federal funds from the CARES Act that will immediately support the State’s robust response to the COVID-19 crisis as well as key investments needed for economic recovery. “COVID-19 has taken the lives of too many Coloradans and disrupted our way of life, and this has been a very challenging time for our entire state. I am grateful for the support we have received from the federal government, but there will still be hardship ahead. This immediate disbursement ensures that no Coloradan has to go without a hospital bed when they need one, that the state can continue to scale up testing and containment, and protect our most vulnerable. It allows parents to return to work by ensuring that our schools have needed resources to adapt to our new reality and helps our frontline local governments in their coronavirus response. My administration is working closely in a bipartisan way with the federal delegation and legislative leadership to do everything in our power to help Coloradans overcome this generational challenge. The steps we are taking now will allow us to increase much needed economic activity in our state,” s aid Gov. Polis. “This agreement quickly channels over $1.6 billion directly to our school districts, universities and local governments to help them retain first responders, support our health care workforce, protect our veterans and seniors and rapidly expand contact tracing so we can safely restart our economy. Schools and universities can use it to help them prepare for the fall so parents can go back to work and we can rebuild our workforce. I look forward to the bipartisan work ahead to allocate the remaining funds and pass legislation that helps Coloradans and small businesses get through this crisis.” Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “The CARES Act funding is an indispensable lifeline for our state––helping us ease the immediate economic and public health pains caused by COVID-19. But it’s nowhere near enough in terms of recovery,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia. “As members of the legislature, we will continue working hard alongside the Governor and the Joint Budget Committee to protect Coloradans during this challenging time. However we need Congress to do much more, especially for those communities like mine in Pueblo that the CARES Act explicitly left behind.” Governor Polis signed an Executive Order today authorizing the following transfers: For Medical expenses and Public health expenses incurred or expected to be incurred in the State’s Disaster Emergency Fund, $48 million transferred for FY 2019-20 and $157 million set-aside for FY 2020-21. This includes amounts expected to be distributed to local public health agencies for COVID-19 response. For Expenditures to comply with public health measures pertaining to maintaining veterans living facilities, State prisons and other State facilities with congregate care , including sanitation and effectively implementing social distancing measures , $2 million transferred for FY 2019-20 and $8 million set-aside for FY 2020-21. These funds will be available to improve the safety of our prisons, veterans living facilities, youth services centers, and mental health facilities. For Expenditures incurred to respond to second-order effects of the emergency, including caseload increases for at-risk pupils and human services programs during the COVID-19-driven recession, $2 million transferred for FY 2019-20 and $57 million set aside for FY 2020-21. For Expenses to respond to second-order effects of the emergency, including payments for emergency rental and mortgage assistance, as well as additional direct assistance where appropriate, for individuals that have been economically impacted by COVID-19, with preference given to individuals that are ineligible for other forms of assistance such as unemployment insurance, food benefits, or direct federal stimulus payments, $10 million transferred for FY 2019-20. For Expenses associated with the provision of economic support in connection with the COVID-19 public health emergency, including payments to stimulate the economy by supporting Colorado’s workforce with school-aged children, $500 million transferred to local school districts and proportionally by student population to the Charter School Institute and the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and $25,000 to each Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) in the state for a total of $510 million above the Constitutionally required state share of public school finance to increase free instructional hours for our kindergarten through 12th grade education system while complying with COVID-19 public health orders, including facilitating distance learning and social distancing for in-person contact hours, and mitigating lost learning, and $450 million transferred to public institutions of higher education to increase student retention and completions, given Colorado’s critical shortage of skilled workforce. For Payroll expenses and other necessary State expenditures for public safety, public health, health care, human services, and similar employees whose services are substantially dedicated to mitigating or responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency , $85 million set aside for FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21, including at the Office of the State Controller for expenses related to accounting for and monitoring the use of federal funds related to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Expenses of local governments that did not receive a direct distribution of funds in the CARES Act to facilitate compliance with COVID-19-related public health measures , $275 million for FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21. These resources will support local communities both directly, as funds flow from State agencies to local partners, and indirectly. A significant portion of the allocation for the public health response will flow directly to local county public health agencies to ensure we have a robust statewide response through testing and contact tracing. In addition to these funds, our local communities are receiving significant federal resources, including $125 million to Colorado communities from the Department of Health and Human Services, more than $16 million in Community Development Block Grants, $8 million in Community Services Block Grants, and an estimated $30 million to local governments for COVID-19 testing. In addition to these funds, the state of Colorado has already received or is expected to receive, several direct transfers to fulfill critical needs including $2.25 million and as much as $8 million for crisis counseling and mental health support, $15.4 million in LEAP funds to help Coloradans pay their home heating bills, and $9.1 million in Byrne Justice Assistance grants to support local law enforcement adopt to COVID-19. The administration looks forward to engaging with the legislature on how to best serve Coloradans with these funds. The Governor sent a letter to the legislature today. The remaining $70 million in unallocated funds will be transferred to the General Fund for appropriations for when the legislative session resumes. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Regina English and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon that would create the right to visitation for Coloradans who are incarcerated. HB25-1013 passed by a vote of 7-4. < Back February 5, 2025 Right to Visitation, Family Connection Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Regina English and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon that would create the right to visitation for Coloradans who are incarcerated . HB25-1013 passed by a vote of 7-4. “ Family support and connection can have a powerful impact on the success of incarcerated Coloradans, with studies showing it can reduce recidivism by 26 percent so we can help them build a thriving future and keep our communities safer ,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs. “Support from one's closest friends and family can help them cope with the stress of incarceration and foster optimism about life outside of prison. We’re bringing this bill to build stronger, more resilient communities and ensure that Coloradans, no matter if they are incarcerated or not, can stay connected with their support system.” “Currently, withholding family connection is being used as a form of punishment for incarcerated Coloradans who choose not to work or as a tool to control their behavior, which not only exacerbates the mental health crisis in Colorado prisons but also violates the abolishment of slavery,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Visitation is an important aspect of rehabilitation, and phone calls and visits from family and loved ones can help incarcerated people survive their sentence. Our bill makes it clear that incarceration does not strip Coloradans of their right to maintain connections with their families and loved ones.” HB25-1013 would create the right to visitation for incarcerated Coloradans to ensure they can stay connected with their family, friends, and loved ones and be set up for success after they serve time and re-enter the community. Visitation includes social visits including in-person visits, family time visits, phone calls, and video calls. The bill extends this right to any incarcerated person who has been restricted privileges, especially for those who have been placed in restrictive housing like solitary confinement or those who choose not to work. Under the bill, an incarcerated person could file a grievance with the Department of Corrections if they are not allowed visitations, and those grievances would be shared with the Colorado legislature. A study found that visitation in prison results in a 26 percent decrease in post-release criminal activity as well as a 28 percent reduction in new convictions overall. Previous Next

< Back October 30, 2019 TAX EXPENDITURE EVALUATION INTERIM STUDY COMMITTEE ADVANCES BIPARTISAN PROPOSALS Bills would improve the state’s ability to evaluate tax expenditures for effectiveness, make changes to some existing provisions DENVER, CO– The Tax Expenditure Evaluation Interim Study Committee today advanced five bills to better evaluate tax expenditures and refine existing tax provisions in order to improve the state’s tax code. “Today, we advanced proposals to modify certain tax expenditures and improve how our state evaluates and enacts tax expenditures to ensure these policies achieve their intended outcomes,” said Tax Expenditure Evaluation Interim Study Committee Chair Rep. Adrienne Benavidez (D-Adams County). “The state is facing challenges when evaluating the effectiveness of all of our tax expenditures, which makes it difficult for lawmakers to consider changes to exemptions, deductions and other tax provisions,” said Rep. Marc Snyder (D-Colorado Springs). “The proposals we moved forward today will improve this process significantly by ensuring each new tax expenditure includes clear metrics we can use to evaluate its effectiveness and by creating a committee that can continue this work.” The committee has been hearing presentations and drafting legislation this interim to study changes to tax expenditures recommended by the Office of the State Auditor in its ongoing review of the state’s various tax expenditures. Given the large number of expenditures, this review is expected to take five to six years, and current estimates show the state loses over $6.5 billion in revenue each year through tax expenditures. 1) Creating a Tax Oversight Committee: The committee passed legislation that would create both a legislative oversight committee concerning tax policy to make changes to the state’s tax code, and a task force to study and recommend potential changes to the current system of state and local taxation. The committee would be required to consider the policy changes recommended by the Office of the State Auditor and would be responsible for oversight of the task force. It can also recommend legislative changes that would be treated as bills recommended by an interim legislative committee. Sponsors: Sen. Court, Sen. Tate, Rep. Snyder, Rep. Benavidez 2) Improving Evaluations of Tax Expenditures: Currently, it can be challenging for the state auditor to evaluate the effectiveness of all the state’s tax expenditures, leading to inefficiencies in tax policy and outcomes that are difficult to monitor. To help address this issue, the committee advanced a proposal that would require the bill sponsors of all future tax expenditure legislation to include additional information on their proposals. Under the bill advanced today, future tax expenditure legislation will have to include a repeal of the expenditure after a specified period. They will also have to include a statement of the intended purpose of the tax preference that contains clear, relevant, and ascertainable metrics and data requirements that allow the expenditure to be measured for effectiveness in achieving its purpose. Sponsors: Sen. Court, Sen. Tate, Rep. Snyder, Rep. Benavidez 3) Changes to Net Operating Loss Deduction: Under current law, taxpayers can claim a deduction for net operating losses on their state tax returns. The deduction is allowed in the same manner that a similar deduction is allowed under federal tax law, meaning taxpayers can carry forward their net operating loss deduction for the same number of years allowed under the Internal Revenue Service code. However, in recent years, that was limited to 20 years, but the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in 2017 allowed taxpayers unlimited years to carry forward the net operating loss. The legislation advanced today returns the state’s net operating loss deduction carryforward period to 20 years, maintains that net operating losses cannot be carried back, matches the federal law to allow a net operating loss to offset 80 percent of taxable income, and it would also treat financial institutions the same as other businesses. Sponsors: Rep. Benavidez, Rep. Snyder, Sen. Moreno 4) Modifications to Energy Used for Industrial and Manufacturing Purposes Exemption: Under current law, there is a sales tax exemption for the purchase of energy products used for industrial purposes. The legislation would modify the exemption so that it only applies when the energy is used by a metered machine. Sponsors: Rep. Benavidez, Rep. Snyder, Sen. Tate, Sen. Court 5) Repeal of Long Term Lodging Exemption: There is currently a sales tax exemption for long-term lodging stays for 30 days or more at hotels, apartment hotels, lodging houses, motor hotels, etc. This exemption has remained largely unchanged since 1959, and was meant to provide equal tax treatment for people who sign residential leases of 30 days or more and people who stay for more than 30 days at lodgings typically used for short-term stays. The Department of Revenue has allowed the exemption to be claimed when multiple people stay at the same place, each for less than 30 days, but when one person pays for at least 30 days. This application expands the use of the exemption beyond its presumed original purposes of providing equal tax treatment. With an amendment, the committee voted to have the sales tax exemption apply only to natural persons to ensure people who are in need of housing who stay in these types of facilities for longer than 30 days are not adversely impacted.. Sponsors: Rep. Benavidez, Rep. Snyder, Sen. Moreno Previous Next

< Back June 16, 2020 GOVERNOR SIGNS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS FOR STATE EMPLOYEES! Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs & Services Act will allow state employees to join together to bargain for better pay and terms of employment DENVER, CO — The Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act was signed into law by Governor Jared Polis today. HB20-1153 was sponsored by Representative Daneya Esgar and cosponsored by the entire House Democratic Caucus. The new law will allow state employees to collectively bargain on matters of pay, benefits, and conditions and terms of employment. “State employees have been at the forefront of our state’s fight against COVID-19,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo. “In addition to their crucial public health work, these public servants care for our veterans, keep our prisons safe, plow our roads in winter storms and protect our air and water. Getting this bill passed was a top priority of mine in the 2020 legislative session, and I’m beyond proud to see the Governor sign it today. Thanks to their tireless work, advocacy and dedication, state workers will soon be able to negotiate for the pay, benefits and working conditions they deserve.” This law will allow state employees to collectively bargain on pay and benefit issues. It seeks to foster new partnerships between frontline workers and the state that will lead to innovation and better state services. Furthermore, by helping to fill the nearly 1 in 5 vacant state positions, the bill will ensure that Colorado has the experienced and talented workforce needed to serve state residents. This legislation is critical to retaining and recruiting the state workforce Coloradans need and deserve. Stagnant wages have led to increased turnover and state employees working multiple jobs, which negatively impacts the delivery of state services. The Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act does not permit state employees to strike, which is similar to collective bargaining laws for state employees in the states that have them. The law does require the state to participate in good faith in the formalized partnership process. All determinations regarding wage and benefit issues reached through the partnership process must be included in the governor’s budget and be approved by the Joint Budget Committee and General Assembly, a transparent process in which the public can engage. For more than a decade, WINS, the state’s public employee union, has represented state employees who have been united in their desire to be part of an organization that fights to improve their lives. Membership in the union is completely voluntary, but it’s clear that state employees overwhelmingly support union membership in WINS. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Sean Camacho and Rebekah Stewart that would allow Prop KK revenue to fund community-based behavioral health services for military members, veterans, and their families. HB25-1132 passed by a vote of 41-20, with nearly every Republican voting against the bill. < Back March 4, 2025 Colorado Democrats Pass Bill to Increase Behavioral Health Funding for Veterans, Military Families DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Sean Camacho and Rebekah Stewart that would allow Prop KK revenue to fund community-based behavioral health services for military members, veterans, and their families. HB25-1132 passed by a vote of 41-20, with nearly every Republican voting against the bill. “As a member of the Air Force, I have seen firsthand how military veterans and their families can struggle to access proper health care for their behavioral health issues ,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver. “Voters approved Prop KK, boosting funding for crime victim programs, public safety grants, and behavioral health crisis services just like the one this bill funds. Military members and veterans desperately need quality health care, and this legislation seeks to boost lifesaving behavioral health support for Colorado heroes and their loved ones by implementing the will of the voters.” “Far too many military members and veterans suffer from debilitating PTSD, anxiety, and other behavioral health struggles that impact their day-to-day life without the proper treatment ,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood. “The legislation we’re passing today better allows Colorado to fund community behavioral health programs and other beneficial services, improving access to the behavioral health care that veterans and their families deserve.” HB25-1132 would use Proposition KK revenue to fund non-profit organizations that establish and expand community behavioral health programs for military service members, veterans, and their families. These organizations must meet the following requirements to receive grant funding: Provides local behavioral health services to service members, veterans, and their families, Utilizes evidence-based practices, Trains staff on military cultural competency, and Has established and verifiable community partnerships to deliver behavioral health services for service members, veterans, and their families. The bill also allows reimbursement for services that help address behavioral health struggles. Health care professionals would be required to provide at least four health care sessions to each veteran they accept as a client in order to qualify for reimbursement. Colorado Democrats passed a law referring a ballot measure to voters in the November 2024 election that would create a new excise tax on gun dealers, gun manufacturers, and ammunition vendors to fund the Colorado Crime Victim Services Fund, Behavioral Health Administration, and school safety efforts. Nearly 54.5 percent of Colorado voters approved Prop KK to bolster crime victim support and behavioral health programs. Previous Next

< Back February 16, 2022 BILL TO REDUCE YOUTH RECIDIVISM, PREVENT CRIME PASSES COMMITTEE HB22-1003 is part of Colorado Democrats’ public safety package DENVER, CO – HB22-1003, which would improve public safety and prevent juvenile justice involvement by providing resources to community-based violence and dropout prevention programs, passed the House Judiciary Committee today by a vote of 7-4. “This session, we’re going to make smart investments to reduce recidivism and address the root causes of the pandemic-induced crime that is impacting our community and communities across the country,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “This bill will provide over $4 million to expand proven programs across Colorado that reduce crime by giving youth access to the services and support they need.” “The pandemic has put enormous strain on our communities with instability from a lack of housing, access to behavioral health and job opportunities leading to a rise in crime across the country,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “I’m proud we’ll be providing resources to the critical programs in our communities that we know are effective at preventing children and youth from becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. The bill focuses on children and youth support and interventions, and services to prevent children and youth from entering the juvenile justice system in the first place.” HB22-1003 , sponsored by Representatives Lindsey Daugherty and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, would establish the Delinquency Prevention and Young Offender Intervention Pilot Grant Program. The program would award two-year grants to local governments, American Indian Tribes, school districts, charter schools and nonprofit organizations to fund projects that prevent crime among youth. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate a community-based response involving collaboration with multiple agencies to reduce crime. Previous Next

Governor Polis today signed a bipartisan bill to support workforce development in Colorado. HB24-1365, sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens, and Senator Jeff Bridges would help communities address workforce shortages and create connections for Coloradans seeking high-paying, skilled careers. < Back June 7, 2024 SIGNED! Bipartisan Bill to Support Colorado's Workforce Becomes Law GRAND JUNCTION, CO – Governor Polis today signed a bipartisan bill to support workforce development in Colorado. HB24-1365 , sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens, and Senator Jeff Bridges would help communities address workforce shortages and create connections for Coloradans seeking high-paying, skilled careers. “Over the years, Opportunity Now grants have sparked job growth and supported rural and mountain communities like in Northwestern Colorado,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “As we build new roads, bridges, businesses, and affordable housing – the demand for highly-skilled construction only increases. This bipartisan law outlines the final round of grant funding while addressing the need in the construction and building trades as they strengthen our communities. Our new law will save Coloradans money as they pursue good-paying jobs in the construction industry and fill critical workforce shortages.” “Opportunity is a core Colorado value, and every Coloradan should have the opportunity to earn a good life," said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. "That opportunity often starts with a good education, one that's aligned with good-paying jobs in a person's community. Making sure what schools teach matches what businesses need is exactly what the Opportunity Now grant does, leading to better wages for workers, a well-trained workforce for our employers, and a stronger Colorado economy for everyone." HB24-1365 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, and Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, supports the fourth and final round of the successful Opportunity Now Colorado grants. The goal of this law is to connect more Coloradans with in-demand, high-wage careers, specifically in the construction, infrastructure and building trades. This law also creates the Regional Talent Summit Grant Program that connects Coloradans to in-demand careers in their communities and offers a workforce shortage tax credit to upgrade training facilities and equipment. By leveraging federal investments outlined in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and othe rs, it provides the opportunity to train workers in new, emerging fields. The Opportun ity Now grant program has awarded $27 million to 46 grantees representing 145 businesses and 78 education partners in 38 different industries. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Tim Hernández that would provide support for K-12 justice-engaged students by establishing a Student Bill of Rights, collecting graduation data, setting standards for credit transfers, and creating a hotline for legal and educational resources. HB24-1216 passed by a vote of 45-18. < Back April 30, 2024 Bill to Support Justice-Engaged Youth Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Tim Hernández that would provide support for K-12 justice-engaged students by establishing a Student Bill of Rights, collecting graduation data, setting standards for credit transfers, and creating a hotline for legal and educational resources. HB24-1216 passed by a vote of 45-18. “Ensuring that all Colorado youth have access to quality education is a priority, which is why we’re bringing this legislation to better support our justice-engaged youth,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Our legislation would reduce recidivism by creating a Student Bill of Rights that prioritizes and ensures student success. This bill would allow us to better serve our students by giving them the tools and resources to develop the skills they need to graduate, move on to postsecondary education opportunities, and build a thriving career.” “I’ve had students who were involved in the juvenile justice system, and it can be difficult to be successful in school after becoming justice-engaged,” said Rep. Tim Hernández, D-Denver. “This bill has the potential to help change their educational trajectories by connecting students and their families with legal and educational resources, expediting the re-enrollment of students back into school, and ensuring they can participate in extracurricular activities. These student rights are instrumental in developing agency and a sense of self for all young people, and through this bill, we’ll position our young people to forge strong futures for themselves.” HB24-1216 would establish rights for students who are involved in the juvenile justice system, including the right to alternative solutions for general education, prompt enrollment with a local education provider, appropriate credit for coursework that was completed while being justice-engaged, a graduation plan, education while committed, and participation in gifted and talented and college readiness programs. The bill requires school districts to publish available resources on their websites and designate a person to serve as a point of contact for justice-engaged students. The bill also encourages courts to delay sentences to commitment to the Division of Youth Services if the student did not commit a physical offense or cause bodily injury, and directs the Department of Education to create a statewide hotline for justice-engaged students to seek legal advice, school options, and other necessary services and support. Previous Next

Representative Eliza Hamrick today visited Pickens Technical College and The Excel Center to learn more about post-secondary education and workforce opportunities for Coloradans. < Back September 17, 2024 Rep. Hamrick Visits Technical College AURORA, CO – Representative Eliza Hamrick today visited Pickens Technical College and The Excel Center to learn more about post-secondary education and workforce opportunities for Coloradans. “I’d like to thank the folks hosting me at Pickens Technical College and The Excel Center – it was great to hear about their emerging programs to not only meet our workforce needs but make it easier for students to succeed in any career,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial . “Under the gold dome, we’ve worked hard to make it easier for Coloradans to find and take advantage of workforce opportunities, including the Care Forward program which has successfully boosted our health care workforce through zero-cost credentials.” Rep. Hamrick toured both Pickens Technical College and The Excel Center. Pickens offers 25 certificate programs , in everything from the skilled trades to healthcare, to adults and high school students as part of the Aurora Public Schools and the Colorado Community College System. The Excel Center makes it possible for adults to earn their high school diploma at no-cost . Both education centers are designed to improve access to skills training and make it possible for Coloradans to begin a career they love. During the 2024 legislative session, Rep. Hamrick championed a number of bills designed to uplift education opportunities and local communities. This includes legislation to boost apprenticeship programs and expanding community-based behavioral health care grants . Rep. Hamrick also supported multiple workforce bills, including new laws to expand concurrent enrollment , uplift careers in high-demand sectors such as construction and health care and a tax credit to make the first two-years of college free for low and middle-income students. Previous Next

Climate change denial legislation would have jeopardized Colorado’s environment < Back March 13, 2024 Dems Defeat Bill to Roll Back Colorado’s Climate Goals DENVER, CO – Democrats on the House Energy & Environment Committee today defeated a bill rooted in climate change denialism. HB24-1246, sponsored by Representative Ken DeGraaf, would have jeopardized Colorado’s efforts to address climate change. “The spread of climate change denialism is dangerous, we need policies rooted in scientific fact that will help create a safer, healthier Colorado for us all,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, Chair of the House Energy and Environment Committee, D-Fort Collins. “Colorado is working hard to address our climate crisis and policies, like the one we heard in committee today, roll back our legislative efforts. We’re committed to reaching our state’s climate goals because Coloradans are counting on us to champion policies that rein in planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, not deny it altogether.” “Climate change is real, and it’s a threat to our way of life now and for future generations,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, Vice Chair of the House Energy and Environment Committee, D-Northglenn. “Legislation, like the one presented in committee today, is rooted in climate change denialism and would have dramatically pushed back our state’s goals, running out the clock on the time we have left to act. Colorado Democrats are on a path forward to addressing climate change, not rolling back regulations for scientifically-proven air pollutants, including carbon dioxide from the excessive burning of fossil fuels.” HB24-1246 would roll back Colorado’s climate goals of a 80-percent reduction in carbon dioxide emission in the utility sector by 2030 and 100 percent by 2040, and consequently undermine the climate-focused work championed by Democrats over the years. Specifically, this bill would have extended the climate goals to 2040 and 2060. Additionally, HB24-1246, as introduced, would have prohibited the classification of carbon dioxide as an air pollutant and eliminated its regulation by state agencies. Carbon dioxide emissions caused by burning fossil fuels are a driving contributor to air pollution and climate change. Over the years, Colorado Democrats have stepped up to push forward climate-friendly laws to help clean up our air and increase protections for disproportionately impacted communities, encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and public transit options , streamline energy-efficient options for homeowners, and support businesses transitioning toward more eco-friendly heating and cooling options. Previous Next

< Back August 31, 2020 $20M IN SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE DENVER, CO– Lawmakers, joined by OEDIT Director Betsey Markey and officials from the Energize Colorado Gap Fund, today formally launched the $20 million small business assistance grant program created by SB20-222 . Small businesses may be eligible for a grant of up to $15,000. The Energize Colorado Gap Fund, which is operating the program, will also offer loans of up to $20,000, increasing the assistance available through the program to $25 million to date. “Boosting Colorado small businesses is essential for our state’s economic recovery and will help hardworking families make ends meet while strengthening our communities,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, House sponsor of the legislation. “Economic assistance has kept thousands of Colorado businesses open, but too many haven’t been able to access this critical lifeline and need just a little help to stay afloat. That’s why we set aside $20 million to help business owners who have been left behind. I encourage any small business owner who may need assistance to reach out to the Energize Colorado Gap Fund.” “Small businesses’ survival is fundamental to our own. Not only do they represent community pillars, but they stand central to the American dream as well,” said Sen. Faith Winer, D-Westminster. “Something has happened in this country where large corporations are deemed too big to fail while the aspirations of everyday Americans are left to wither in the cold. We need to throw a life raft to those who need it most and work to preserve the great commercial diversity we have in our state. I would encourage any small business who is struggling right now to reach out to Energize Colorado for help applying. The process is fast and accessible– requiring only 15-20 minutes for most businesses to complete! “Colorado’s small businesses are the heart of our state’s economy,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “So much of our hardworking, creative, entrepreneurial spirit is thanks to these unique local shop owners and service providers. But sadly, many have been hit hard by the pandemic and are in desperate need of relief. That’s why I am so proud to be a part of launching the new Energize Colorado Gap Fund program. Now, struggling small businesses can get critical support when they need it most – protecting the prolific beauty of our state’s rugged ingenuity. Go to energizecolorado.com to apply and we will continue working for the strong Colorado comeback.” “We are grateful to Colorado’s General Assembly for allocating $20M of CARES Act funding directly to Colorado’s distressed small businesses,” said OEDIT Executive Director Betsy Markey . “These funds provide essential support to help our small businesses during their time of need that enables them to maintain operations and allow our small businesses to join our continued economic recovery.” After resuming the legislative session in May, the General Assembly passed SB20-222, which set aside $20 million in federal CARES Act funding to establish a grant program to boost small businesses with 25 or fewer employees. All sole proprietors, businesses and nonprofits with 25 or fewer employees are eligible and welcome to apply to the Energize Colorado Gap Fund. Preference will be given to businesses located in rural areas; veteran, women or minority-owned businesses; and those that have not been successful in pursuing and/or receiving funds from other federal, state and local assistance programs, such as the Paycheck Protection Program. Applicants must be able to show the economic hardship their business is facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Energize Colorado has a mentorship program for small businesses that are interested in applying for the Gap Fund. The Mentorship Program is available to help small businesses ready the documentation and other materials they will need to successfully apply. Mentors may be reached by phone, email and online chat from the Gap Fund website . Previous Next